October 6, 2008
Wireless Networking
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I recently attended an AirDefense Webcast that discussed PCI compliance, mobility trends in the retail industry and some of the wireless vulnerabilities that these businesses face. According to AirDefense, the top 4 mobility trends are:
1. Convergence of LAN/WAN, voice and data onto one network and one set of devices
2. Implementations of mobile POS, mobile self-checkout and mobile marketing
3. Mobilizing store and department managers
4. Compliance initiatives
As more businesses turn to next generation wireless mobility, they face new challenges to keep their data secure. Some of the wireless vulnerabilities that can result in compromises are poorly configured wireless (open access points or WEP still in place), installing rogue devices and the inability to detect active wireless. To face these challenges, AirDefense recommends a layered approach to wireless security and a focus on validation and prevention in addition to PCI compliance.
Businesses with WEP in place need to begin considering this kind of comprehensive security before it’s too late. No new implementations of WEP will be allowed after March 31, 2009 and all current WEP implementations must be discontinued by June 30, 2010. Businesses should proactively prepare for these important dates, so tomorrow I’ll be providing some of the best practices for wireless security and PCI compliance.
October 2, 2008
Wireless Networking
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As the family of 802.11 wireless standards expands ever further, I thought it would be nice to provide an overview of each IEEE 802.11 standard. This table courtesy of Wireless Builders provides a brief overview of each 802.11 standard and a short definition.
|
IEEE Standard
|
Definition
|
| IEEE 802.11 |
The initial release of the 802.11 standard. This is capable of transmission of 1 to 2 Mbps and operates in the 2.4 GHz band |
| IEEE 802.11a |
Capable of transmissions up to 54 Mbps and operates in the 5 GHz band |
| IEEE 802.11b |
IEEE introduced this standard in 1990. Capable of transmissions of up to 11 Mbps and operates in the 2.4 GHz band |
| IEEE 802.11c |
Defines wireless bridge operations |
| IEEE 802.11d |
Defines standards for businesses developing wireless standards in different countries |
| IEEE 802.11e |
Defines enhancements to the 802.11 MAC for QoS |
| IEEE 802.11f |
Defines Inter Access Point Protocol (IAPP) |
| IEEE 802.11g |
Capable of transmissions up to 20 Mbps and operates in the 2.4 GHz band |
| IEEE 802.11i |
Provides improved encryption |
| IEEE 802.11j |
802.11 extension used in Japan |
| IEEE 802.11n |
The latest 802.11 standard that improves upon existing standards by providing multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) and other new features. Expected to support up to 100 Mbps. Currently, the expected approval of 802.11n is March 2009. |
If you’d like more information about IEEE’s newest standard, 802.11n, you can read my post 802.11n Facts. This five day post will provide you with more specific information about this standard and a link to the Cisco White Paper that focuses on it.
September 26, 2008
Wireless Networking
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The IEEE Communication Society provides a selection of free tutorials each month that review current communication topics. These tutorials are from Communication Society conferences and feature the original visuals and presenter voice-over. This month the tutorials sound pretty interesting:
- WiMax: Mobilizing the Internet
- Next Generation Cellular Networks
- Broadband Fiber Access
To view any of these tutorials Click Here. You can access previous tutorials as well and you’ll also find a link that allows you to view distinguished lectures.
September 25, 2008
Wireless Networking
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These are the last two facts in my five day post Ten Facts About 802.11n, if you missed any and are considering to upgrade you may want to be sure and check out the last 4 posts.
Fact #8
Because of the use of MIMO and spatial multiplexing, 802.11n cells will be less predictable depending on environmental factors. Without obstructions, the traditional WLAN cell is spherical, but 802.11n may take an entirely different shape altogether.
Fact #9
As you begin migrating to 802.11n, you need to be sure that the devices you choose are Wi-Fi certified and compliant with the 802.11n draft 2.0. The Wi-Fi Alliance has begun certifying equipment from different vendors to ensure successful migrations. In order to ensure interoperability of access points and clients you should upgrade to devices certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
For more important facts about 802.11n, benefits of migration and issues you may confront, you should read the Cisco White Paper 802.11n: The Next Generation of Wireless Performance.
September 24, 2008
Wireless Networking
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It’s time for 802.11n facts #7 and #8. If you haven’t been following this post you should read the Previous Facts as well.
Fact #7
Because of the high data throughput and Gigabit Ethernet, wireless controllers may experience bottlenecks. Wireless switches that perform traffic decryption that were once able to handle many different access points may not be able to support as many as before.
Fact #8
According to Cisco, 802.11n has the ability to provide backward compatibility with 802.11 a, b and g devices, so these devices will understand the information necessary to allow 802.11n devices to operate in the same area. But for some time, 802.11n will need to operate in the presence of legacy 802.11a/b/g devices, creating mixed-mode operation. Until all devices have been upgraded or replaced to 802.11n devices you will have to plan on supporting 802.11 a, b and g legacy devices.
Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for the last post in this series
